Se a flier as a criminal (5)

I believe the answer is:

crook

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a criminal' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'se a flier' is the wordplay.
'se' becomes 'c' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'a flier' becomes 'rook' (rook is a kind of birdanimal).
'c'+'rook'='CROOK'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crook that I've seen before include "Something kinky" , "Bend; criminal; staff" , "Criminal - taken in hand by bishop" , "Fence, perhaps" , "Twister" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.